Russia’s retreat could erode the morale of Russian mercenaries. Few of them expected they would be fighting a well-equipped and highly motivated army backed by Western powers
Save time by listening to our audio articles as you multitask“It is unique. There is nothing like that in Europe…It is very important for people to have a chance to relax with their family and friends,” Mr Putin said on September 10th. It was meant to be an advertisement for Mr Putin’s successes. But within minutes, the 140-metre-high wheel got stuck, and the next day it closed altogether. Visitors were offered a refund.
“The army has NO thermal-imaging cameras, NO body armour, NO reconnaissance equipment, NO secure communications, NO first-aid kits. You’re holding a billion-rouble feast. What is wrong with you?” another social-media post read. Mr Putin’s power depends on Russians believing that he is strong and ever-victorious. His propagandists do all they can to promote that notion. However, the rout of Russian forces in north-east Ukraine caught them off-guard. At first state television was silent. Then its channels coyly acknowledged Russia’s retreat, described by the army as “an operation to organise the transfer of troops”. The bad news was padded out with patriotic guff. All criticism was deflected away from Mr Putin.
The anger of the nationalists poses little threat to the Kremlin. It may even help to drown out anti-war voices, such as the dozens of young, brave local politicians from Moscow and St Petersburg who published an open letter calling on Mr Putin to resign and even accusing him of treason. They now face prosecution. But growing calls for military mobilisation create a different problem. Mr Putin’s “special military operation” relies on fear and apathy rather than active support.
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